Kardinal Offishall was recently appointed the new global artiste and repertoire (A&R) for Def Jam Recordings.

The announcement was made via Kardinal Offishall’s Instagram page.

“Big up @tunji @tricerocbklyn and the whole @defjam family! We on a mission to bring y’all the best artistes from around the world and shift culture with the amazing talents we discover, nurture and partner with. It is a massive privilege to continue to help bring creatives’ visions to the world,” the post read.

Kardinal Offishall also thanked his team, family, and friends for their support.

“This time last year, I was in a hospital bed and couldn’t walk more than a few steps. To whomever is reading this: speak your dreams into existence and keep God first. Give thanks to the most high,” the post continued.

Kardinal Offishall, whose real name is Jason Harrow, was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents. The Canadian rapper, record producer, DJ, and record executive (he formerly worked in an executive position at Universal Music Canada) is best known for his distinctive reggae- and dancehall-influenced style of hip hop.

In his new role at Def Jam Recordings, Kardinal Offishall will work directly with CEO Tunji Balogun and Executive Vice-President LaTrice Burnette to sign and develop talent from around the globe.

In an interview with the Toronto Star he said: “It’s a dream experience. I get to work with one of the most legendary labels in hip hop and R&B culture, and we get to create, or at least curate, the new face of Def Jam — the new culture, the new look, the new sonics, the new energy.”

“My passion, what I love doing is helping incredible artists create the best albums possible. We want to elevate these people we’re signing to superstar status,” he continued.

Def Jam was founded in New York City by producer Rick Rubin and entrepreneur Russell Simmons nearly 40 years ago. The label played a pivotal role in launching the careers of hip hop pioneers like Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys. Today, Def Jam’s roster includes major artistes like Pusha T, YG, 2 Chainz, 070 Shake, and Jeremih, plus Canadian acts Justin Bieber and Alessia Cara.

Kardinal Offishall has a number of major hits, including BaKardi Slang, collaborations with Akon (Dangerous and Beautiful Girl), and Numba 1 (The Tide is High) with Keri Hilson.

Dangerous was certified quadruple platinum on January 17 by Music Canada for sales exceeding 320,000 units. The song was released in 2008. It was also certified on January 13 for sales exceeding 3,000,000 copies in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2013 he joined Universal Music Canada’s A&R team, first as a creative executive director and later as the department’s senior vice-president, where he worked with burgeoning local artistes like Zach Zoya, Savannah Ré, and Emanuel.

“What I loved about [working at Universal Canada] is it definitely gave me a greater understanding of the real difference between being an artiste and a creative and understanding what goes on behind the scenes,” he told the Toronto Star.

Kardinal Offishall was also a judge on the second season of Canada’s Got Talent.

Def Jam has in the past worked with Jamaican artiste Capleton, who was signed to the label in the mid-1990s.

The 2003 DefJamaica Various Artistes project, spearheaded by executive Cristy Barber, was released by Island Def Jam Music, a subsidiary of Def Jam Recordings. It featured songs from the likes of Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Wayne Marshall, Lexxus, Cham, and Mr Vegas, among others. The project was nominated in the Best Reggae Album category of the 47th Grammy Awards in 2005.

It is reported that dancehall artiste Masicka recently signed a deal with the label. The first single from that deal, Pieces, featuring Jahshii, was released on Friday. Up to Sunday the official audio had racked up more than 320,000 views on YouTube and was trending at number six on the local YouTube trending chart.